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Womb World Mandala (Taizōkai Mandara)

Muromachi period(1392–1568)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This mandala is from a pair (see its mate) in which the deities are represented as the Sanskrit seed syllables (shuji) with which they are associated. The syllable at the center of the Womb World Mandala (Taizōkai mandara) identifies Dainichi as he performs the meditation mudra (jō-in). It may be contrasted with the large seed syllable in the "One Seal Assembly" (ichiine) at the top center of the Diamond World Mandala (Kongōkai mandara), which is associated with Dainichi when he performs the knowledge-fist mudra (chiken-in).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Womb World Mandala (Taizōkai Mandara)
  • Period: Muromachi period(1392–1568)
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: One of a pair of hanging scrolls; gold on indigo-dyed paper
  • Dimensions: Overall with mounting: 48 1/2 x 25 in. (123.2 x 63.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by Sylvan Barnet and William Burto Collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art